Bill > S0775

This bill, titled "Injuring police dogs or horses," aims to strengthen protections for law enforcement animals in South Carolina by expanding the types of actions that constitute a violation, increasing penalties, and mandating restitution. Specifically, it broadens the definition of prohibited conduct to include not only malicious acts like taunting, tormenting, teasing, beating, striking, or administering harmful substances to police dogs or horses, but also interfering with them while they perform their duties or are off-duty in their kennels or stables. The bill also clarifies that intentionally torturing, mutilating, injuring, disabling, poisoning, or killing these animals is a felony. Penalties are significantly increased, with violations potentially resulting in substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. Crucially, the bill requires individuals convicted of injuring or killing a police animal to pay restitution to the law enforcement department or agency, covering the full cost of replacing or restoring the animal, including purchase, training, and veterinary expenses. It also introduces the possibility of animal-related community service as a sentence.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0775&session=126&summary=B